How to Root Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge without Tripping KNOX (with Images)

2 weeks ago

It has become quite difficult to root Galaxy S6 without tripping KNOX. Starting with Note 3, Samsung began implementing KNOX secure bootloader which is not quite root friendly. If you try to root a device having KNOX implanted in it, you’ll end up voiding its warranty. Because as soon as you root your device, it trips a hardware fuse and changes KNOX status to 0x1. Unlike binary count, KNOX count can’t be reset back to 0x0. Not to mention, Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge has a KNOX bootloader as well. Now that’s a real pain in the ass.

So, is there any way to root S6 / S6 Edge without flagging KNOX and voiding its warranty? Yes, there is. Developers @xda always tend to find some way out. In the case of S6, a security hole in Samsung’s Android 5.0.2 kernels (built before March 2015) is discovered by an XDA developer ‘idler1984’ which helped him to root the phone easily. He has also developed an app called ‘PingPong root’ based on the kernel exploit method to achieve the root access. Using his app will surely root your Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge and that too by keeping KNOX intact.

Things to know before proceeding

2) Check your Kernel build date from ‘Settings -> About device’. If it is built after May 15, 2015, then most likely your device can’t be rooted. However, you can downgrade the firmware to an earlier build for having a supported kernel.

Galaxy S6 Edge screenshot showing Kernel build date

3) Also, check your device’s builder number. Following is a list of Build numbers that are currently compatible with the PingPong Root tool.

Step 5 – Once data download is complete, select the ‘Get root!’ button to start the rooting process. Do not turn off the device or let it turn itself off (because of low battery) while the Wait message is being shown on the screen.

PingPong app UI (Galaxy S6 Edge)

Step 6 – At this stage, your device will reboot automatically (which isn’t supposed to happen. It’s a bug in the app). After the device is restarted, repeat step 5.

Step 7 – Download and install the Root Checker app to verify if your device has got the root access.

Root access verified using Root Checker app

And that’s it, folks! Now modify system files to your needs and let the excitement begins. If you have any difficulty following the above steps then just drop a comment below and we’ll try our best to get it to sort out.